By receiving electric service from Ravalli County Electric Cooperative, Inc. (REC), you are now a member/owner of this non-profit electric membership cooperative. We are owned by the people we serve. Yes, that's you.

WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT A COOPERATIVE?

REC policies and procedures are determined by a seven-member Board of Trustees, and each trustee is democratically elected for a three year term. Trustees are members of the cooperative; they are not employees. Trustees were elected by you. They are your voice in establishing the policies and procedures for your cooperative.

REC COMMUNICATES TO YOU

Each year REC mails to all our members an annual report which includes the notice of the date set for the cooperative's annual business meeting. At the annual meeting, which is held the second Saturday in June, you are given the opportunity to elect your representatives on the Board of Trustees. In addition to the election, you will be presented with other information concerning the overall operation of the cooperative. We encourage you to attend the annual meeting.

The cooperative also sends a monthly newsletter to all members. The newsletter appears in the "Watts Up" section (middle four pages) of the Rural Montana magazine, a publication of the Montana Electric Cooperatives Association (our statewide organization). We communicate items of interest and concern to our members in this publication.

Occasionally we send a bill stuffer with your monthly bill. Please take time to read these and respond when necessary.

A NON-PROFIT BUSINESS

REC is a non-profit corporation. Any funds collected above the cost of operation (called "margins") are annually transferred back to our members in the form of Capital Credits. Capital Credits are your equity in the co-op. We periodically refund Capital Credits to our members when the financial condition of the cooperative permits. Each year a statement will be mailed to you concerning your Capital Credits. If you have any questions about your equity in your business, call us.

DEMOCRATIC FORM OF BUSINESS

In a cooperative, each member has one vote. All members are equal in the eyes of the Co-op. At the annual meeting your vote will count the same as your neighbor's. When board members are elected or bylaws changed, all members have the right to voice their opinions and cast their vote. By becoming involved in your Co-op, you ensure its stability and its continued existence.